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PastPerfect Newsletter June/July 2009

1. What's New
2. Upcoming Training Sessions
3. We'll see you at the conference!
4. Tech Tip
5. Contact Information


1. What's New - Both the Training CD "Researching and Reporting with PastPerfect 4.0" and our CD Training Series are now available!

We are proud to announce our latest training CD: Researching and Reporting with PastPerfect 4.0
PastPerfect's Research and Report functions are the essential tools for reaping all of the fruits of your data entry labor. Now we have a convenient and inexpensive training tool to help you take full advantage of both.

This training CD has everything you need to know about PastPerfect's researching and reporting components. The lessons cover search methods, customizing reports, and creating your own Report Maker reports. This CD has the tools you need to fully utilize your PastPerfect data whether you are focused on Membership, Fundraising, Collections, Exhibits or anything cataloged in PastPerfect.

The training CD costs $39.00 (shipping is included).

PastPerfect 4.0 CD Training Series
This series comes with all three of our popular training CDs and a PastPerfect User's Guide for one low price. There has never been an easier, less expensive, or more convenient way to become a PastPerfect expert!

The included titles are:
- Cataloging Your Collection with PastPerfect 4.0
- Managing Contacts, Donations & Membership with PastPerfect 4.0
- Researching and Reporting with PastPerfect 4.0.

The CD Training Series is priced at $119.00 (US shipping is included).

Training CDs are available for purchase at our secure online store or by calling our toll free number 1-800-562-6080.


2. Upcoming Training Sessions - Summer 2009 Classes

NEW Online Class: August 4-6 *** Hurry, the June class sold out quickly! ***
"Cataloging Your Collection with PastPerfect 4.0"    9:30am - noon EDT

This class provides useful guidelines for cataloging and researching your collection. You will learn how to automate many of the repetitive tasks, maintain a professional and consistent standard of data entry, and attach digital images using the optional Multi-Media Upgrade to enhance your catalog records. This class also helps you reap the benefits of consistent data entry by exploring PastPerfect's research features.

This class includes a FREE copy of our "Cataloging Your Collection with PastPerfect 4.0" training CD which allows you to revisit class lessons on your own time.
$86.25/person (AASLH DISCOUNT RATE: $69/person)

Online Class: July 21-23
"Managing Contacts, Donations, and Membership with PastPerfect 4.0"    9:30am - noon EDT
In "Managing Contacts, Donations, and Membership with PastPerfect 4.0," you will see how PastPerfect simplifies managing patrons, volunteers, membership renewals, and donations. Our PastPerfect instructor will demonstrate how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your mailings by creating custom lists of your contacts and generating streamlined mail merge letters.

This class includes a FREE copy of our "Managing Contacts, Donations, and Membership with PastPerfect 4.0" training CD, so you can revisit the lessons anytime and share them with others.
$86.25/person (AASLH DISCOUNT RATE: $69/person)

NEW Regional Class: August 18-20, Sacramento, CA
Hosted by the Center for Sacramento History (formerly the Sacramento Archives & Museum Collection Center)
August 18-Cataloging Collections; August 19-Managing Collections; August 20-Managing Membership and Fundraising Activities
$123.75/person/day (AASLH DISCOUNT RATE: $99.00/person/day)

For more information about these and other PastPerfect Training opportunities, please visit our website at www.museumsoftware.com/training.shtml.


3. We'll see you at the conference!

We look forward to visiting with you at the AASLH Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall in Indianapolis, IN, August 27-28.

On August 29th, Brian Gomez and Jennifer Whitfield will join Erica Kendall and Lee Ehman of Monroe County Historical Society and Karen Vincent of Minnetrista in presenting, "Building a Worldwide Audience for Your Collection."


4. Tech Tip - How do I Add and Change Names on the Solicitors List in PastPerfect 4.0?

Within the Pledges tab of the Contacts section, you can enter the name of the Original Solicitor and Current Solicitor for each Contact record. This allows you to track the solicitor for each contact, and track all contacts for a solicitor. You can also record the solicitor when posting a donation payment, in-kind gift donation, or pledge.

The Solicitor names are stored in the Solicitor Combo Box Authority File. Here are the steps to add, edit, and delete names from the Solicitor list.

1. Click the “Setup” button on the Main Menu and click on the “Authority Files” button.
2. On the list on the right side, titled “Combo Box - Pull Down options”, scroll down until you come to “Solicitors”. Click on this term and then click the “Next>” button at the bottom.
3. In the Authority File box, click the “Add” button at the top. This will bring up a new screen where you can type in the name of the Solicitor. After you have typed the name, hit the “Enter” key on your keyboard. The new name will appear on the list.
4. Repeat step 3 for each Solicitor name you want to add.
5. If you want to edit an existing name, select the name and then click the “Edit” button. You will make your changes in the browse screen that appears. Once you make your changes, tab to the next line to save your changes.
6. If you want to delete a name, click on the name and then click the “Delete” button and the name will be removed from the list.
7. When you are finished, click the “Exit” button at the top, then click the “Exit” button at the top of the Authority File Editor screen to return to the Main Menu.

Please note that if you edit a name for a Solicitor whose name already appears on a Contact screen, Donation detail screen, In-kind gift detail screen, or Pledge detail screen, the name will not be changed automatically. You will need to go back to the detail screen and choose the edited name from the list.

If you delete a name for a Solicitor whose name already appears on a Contact screen, Donation detail screen, In-kind gift detail screen, or Pledge detail screen, the name will be removed from the screen completely. The field will appear blank. The exception is when viewing the Donation, In-kind gift, or Pledge History screens (which display in the grid-like view on the Contact screens) and when running reports.

If you have any questions, please contact our Support Office at 1-800-562-6080.



5. Contact Information

Address: 300 North Pottstown Pike, Suite 200, Exton, PA 19341
Website: www.MuseumSoftware.com
Sales & Product Information: 1-800-562-6080 or sales@museumsoftware.com
Support: 1-800-562-6080 or support@museumsoftware.com
Training: 1-800-562-6080 or training@museumsoftware.com
Data Conversions: 1-800-562-6080 or conversions@museumsoftware.com
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